The objective of UNCTAD's work on competition and consumer policies is to ensure that partner countries enjoy the benefits of increased competition, open and contestable markets, private sector investment in key sectors and ultimately that consumers achieve improved welfare.

Established just five years ago, Botswana's competition authority has helped reinject millions of dollars into local businesses and save thousands of jobs in an economy where unemployment persists at around 20%.

Delegates from the consumer protection agencies of more than 70 countries heralded the first ever meeting on Monday of UNCTAD's Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy.